Huckabee tells it to you straight
I attended a small event for Mike Huckabee at 11 Water Street, Exeter in April. Some of the details are fuzzy, but I'll post my reaction.
Governor Huckabee seemed very level with the crowd. His stump speech seemed so genuine that I had to keep reminding myself that this was more than likely prepared remarks.
While he often pointed to his record as Governor of Arkansas, I know little about the politics of Arkansas and his achievements were little more that ho-hum for me. While past records are certainly important, my tiny corner of the country hardly hears about his portion, just as I assume it is for Arkansas to New Hampshire (except, of course, during primary season).
He seemed moderate enough for me at first, especially on fiscal issues and government reform; I hit it off well with him.
However, when he discussed abortion and then brought religion to his remarks, I began to get a bit edgy. While I lean Republican, I'm fiercely secular. I attend church, but it has no business in government... running it or as rationalization for governmental policies. Huckabee turned me off when I realized he may be a member of the so-called Religious Right, the Bible Belt Republicans that I encountered in Washington, D.C. and has led the GOP amok from its proper (libertarian) ideals.
Gov. Huckabee is a great speaker, but I felt like I didn't click with his social views on abortion, gay marriage/civil unions, and the like.
On Belief and Morals ....Submitted by Brian on Thu, 09/13/2007 - 10:20.
On Belief and Morals .... In reading your posts and your profile, you are an impressive young man. You and I are very similar in our beliefs with a few exceptions. I too am from a secular bent. However, the one point I would make to you regarding this post is that all laws are based upon "moral" belief systems, be they based upon Christianity, Islam, Buddhism or secularism. Further study of our founding father's writings will show you that they truly believed that these moral values were actually required for our republic to work and florish.
When I say all laws, I mean all. Examples: speed limits-"thou shalt not kill"
Divorce-"thou shalt not covet they neighbors wife"
Welfare-"do on to others as you would have them do onto you"
From your experiences in Washington, I am sure that you are jaded by the extremist you met on every issue. Just remember, we are a nation of people coming together at the middle, not a nation of special interests. In coming together, we find common ground. And to do that, we can not throw out a political/social agenda in totality just because we object to the extremist of that position.
Morals, mores etc do have a place in our political/constitutional system. Please don't be misled. Explore this issue further. Keep on writing your posts.